I'm not quite sure what to make of this. From what I understand, it's unclear if they've really made any money at all thus far. I've heard some in the industry say not, that they've spent their first year losing money.
I would hope that many of the other "big" companies get with it and quit trying to maintain their current pricing structure. It seems that many are selling the "feeling" and "perception" that their kites are markedly superior to all others in almost every way, and it's just not so. Sure, some are a *bit* better than others in terms of performance and features. Regaining dropping market share should be Job No. 1 for them.
Best has adopted a pretty ruthless approach before, but as far as the others companies go, there's really nothing they can do about it, so they're in a tight spot. I bet a few kite companies will be having mettings in the morning to discuss this recent turn of events!

Run the numbers.
I did a buy 2 get 1 free last year with best. If I were to buy the same three right now it is a slightly higher price. Nothing has changed drastically. put pen to calculator. It's called smart marketing again.
Alex is a numbers guy, he comes from Wallstreet, no dummy with P&L's.

It's no more revolutionary than their entry, it's just smart, it gets press. He is taking a play from the Richard B and Virgin inc playboook, Market smart, and be creative. When I buy a 99cent burger at McD's think they plan t make bucks....but when I buy a coke for $1.69 they do.

I bought from WW this year...try new...but,not selling my best stuff, the nemi is a great kite.

Where are we Russia? why debate it. capitalism is good...greed is good
Gordon Gecko

Best and other similar companies likes to compare the top of the line kites to other top brands. This is not realistic. Anyone that wants to compare a Nemisis to say a Rhino or Nitro can schedule a demo a Kite Wind Surf. The safety systems and kite performance are much better on these kites. As for price you will find the new Cabrinha Element to have a very competitive price and great safety system and performance that would be more in line with these "B" brand companies.

Which kite companies are spending money on R&D to make the sport safer, convenient, and accessable to newcomers????